At
it’s regularly scheduled meeting on March 1, 2007, the Richmond village
board watched a presentation of a new proposed development called
“Village of Canyon Creek” that would be located near the Route 31 and
Route 12 junction.
The
development would include a retail store mini-mall and a 28 unit
owner-occupied townhouse complex on the east side of the Nippersink
creek. The owner, Mr. Smith, said this would be a “gated community.”
The housing units would be about 2,000 square feet on small lots.
There would be a total of 19 buildings including both commercial and
residential construction. The dwellings would cost about $150,000.
After
viewing artist renderings of the development, trustee Dan Deters
challenged the presentation. “I see nothing special,” said Deters.
“We have a classic stream to show off in Richmond,” said Deters. “I
suggest you use the assets we have in the community rather than standard
rectangle shaped structures.” Smith retorted that it would be difficult
to do much more with the cost of the homes at $150,000.
Trustees
Dennis Bardy and Bruce Hunter questioned the building density of the
project. Hunter is concerned that the development would not provide a
walking path.. Bardy wants to see a bridge to connect the houses to the
retail area.
In
other business, Jeanine Nagle resides in and owns the Old Bank building in
the downtown area. Nagle complained that the noise from the live bands
playing at the Olive Black bar keeps her awake at night. Nagle presented a
written village noise ordinance that the public is entitled to peace and
quite to support her case. President Laurie Olson suggested that a meeting
between Nagle and the bar owner to discuss the issue.
Village
Administrator Tim Savage announced the hiring of a new police chief, John
Fryksdale. The village used a professional search company to screen
candidates. According to Savage, over 30 applicants were narrowed down to
four applicants who were interviewed at the high school.
The
village will donate $500 to Richmond Township to help pay for the cost of
defending a suit concerning assessments. Hunter recommended that the
village send a letter to the Township advising that the village should not
be involved in this issue.
It
was announced that the Tranquil-A-Tea & More restaurant will be
closing its doors at the end of March. Savage remarked that the business
was touted as a reason to defeat the TIF proposal. Trustee Roy Wulffen
said, “We tried.”